Judge denies state's gag order motion in George Zimmerman case

The judge in the case of George Zimmerman, who's charged with murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, denied the state's gag order request for Zimmerman's attorney.

Judge Debra S. Nelson ruled on the motion on Monday, according to court officials.

Assistant state attorney Bernie de la Rionda on Friday argued the motion, saying that he believes Zimmerman's defense attorney, Mark O'Mara, has been using a website, social media and news conferences to influence potential jurors.

O'Mara launched a website, as well as Twitter and Facebook accounts in April, citing a need to diffuse fraudulent Internet entities that claimed to come from Zimmerman. O'Mara contends he doesn't discuss any specific evidence and has been compliant with all bar rules. He said he put up the website manage the press "ethically and properly."

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the February shooting in a gated Sanford community. He has pleaded not guilty, citing Florida's "stand your ground" law.

Martin, 17, was not carrying a gun when he was shot.

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